Earth Science Week 2006 Kickoff:

International EarthCache Event

The Geological Society of America (GSA), and the American Geological Institute (AGI) hosted the first annual D.C. EarthCache at the foot of the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. The event gathered Earth science and geocaching enthusiasts on the Washington Mall to participate in a brief Earth-science educational experience and festivities.

The event began with a brief introduction about Earth Science Week by AGI's Geoff Camphire and an explanation of EarthCaching by GSA's Gary Lewis. Dan Dressler of the National Park Service spoke about the monuments in Washington and types of stone used to build them, while The Weather Channel's Severe Weather Expert, Greg Forbes, spoke about the effects of acid rain on monuments.

Hands-on activities, such as "Make your own rain gauge" and "Acid rains effect on building stone" offered an exciting look into the processes that effect monuments.

The International EarthCache/ Earth Science Week Kickoff Group!